Method and apparatus for protecting a miner

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for protecting a miner from injury by a machine in a mine includes an explosion-proof housing. The apparatus includes a proximity sensing portion disposed in the explosion-proof housing having a magnetic field source which produces a magnetic field that is used to sense a location of the miner relative to the machine. The apparatus includes a wireless communication portion disposed in the explosion-proof housing through which the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source is changed remotely and wirelessly from outside the explosion-proof housing. A method for protecting a miner from injury by a machine. A system for protecting a miner from injury by a machine in a mine.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/650,268 filed Jul. 14, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,388,571, which is adivisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/325,028 filed Jul. 7,2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,712,949 issued Jul. 18, 2017, which is relatedto provisional application Ser. No. 61/847,846 filed on Jul. 18, 2013,and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/290,755 filed on May 29, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,992,610 issuedJun. 5, 2018, which is a nonprovisional of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/832,259 filed on Jun. 7, 2013, all of which areincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a proximity sensing portion whichcan be remotely controlled through a telecommunications network. Morespecifically, the present invention is related to a proximity sensingportion which can be remotely controlled through a telecommunicationsnetwork, such as Wi-Fi, to change the magnetic fields or to reprogramthe proximity sensing portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Proximity sensing portions found in mines have an explosion-proofhousing that protects them from damage. In order to access thecomponents of the proximity sensing portion to, for instance reprogrammicroprocessors inside the proximity sensing portion or change themagnetic field sizes produced by the proximity sensing portion with apotentiometer, the explosion-proof housing has to be opened. To open theexplosion-proof housing is a tedious, manually intensive andtime-consuming task that could easily require 30 or more bolts to beremoved, and then subsequently put back in place when closing theexplosion-proof housing. The present invention eliminates the need tohave to open the explosion-proof housing to access the proximity sensingportion for common functions such as data collection, changing themagnetic field sizes and reprogramming the microcomputers in theproximity sensing portion; and further even allowing these operations tobe performed remotely from the proximity sensing portion.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for protecting a minerfrom injury by a machine. The apparatus comprises an explosion-proofhousing. The apparatus comprises a proximity sensing portion disposed inthe explosion-proof housing having a magnetic field source whichproduces a magnetic field that is used to sense a location of the minerrelative to the machine. The apparatus comprises a wirelesscommunication portion disposed in the explosion-proof housing throughwhich the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source ischanged remotely and wirelessly from outside the explosion-proofhousing. The wireless communication portion is in electricalcommunication with the proximity sensing portion.

The present invention pertains to a method for protecting a miner frominjury by a machine. The method comprises the steps of placing aproximity sensing portion with the machine. There is the step of movingthe machine in the mine. There is the step of changing remotely andwirelessly from outside an explosion-proof housing of the proximitysensing portion through a wireless communication portion disposed in theexplosion-proof housing a magnetic field produced by a magnetic fieldsource of a proximity sensing portion disposed in the explosion-proofhousing of the proximity sensing portion, the magnetic field is used tosense a location of the miner relative to the machine, the wirelesscommunication portion in electrical communication with the proximitysensing portion.

The present invention pertains to a system for protecting a miner frominjury, as shown in FIG. 6 . The system comprises an apparatus having aproximity sensing portion that can have its magnetic field changedremotely through a telecommunications network. The apparatus isdescribed above. The system comprises a machine with the apparatus. Thesystem comprises a personal alarm device worn by the miner for alertingthe miner when the miner is within a predetermined distance, i.e. 2-10feet of the machine. The system comprises a wireless communicationnetwork in communication with the wireless communication portion. Thesystem comprises a controller remote from the apparatus in communicationwith the network through which the controller remotely and wirelesslycommunicates with the apparatus to change the magnetic field produced bythe magnetic field source. The controller has a wireless communicationportion, such as a wire module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a representation of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a computer-generated drawing of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a representation of a PAD.

FIG. 5 is a representation of the apparatus on a machine.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer tosimilar or identical parts throughout the several views, and morespecifically to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 thereof, there is shown an apparatus 10for protecting a miner from injury by a machine 12. The apparatus 10comprises an explosion-proof housing 14. The apparatus 10 comprises aproximity sensing portion 16 disposed in the explosion-proof housing 14having a magnetic field source 20 which produces a magnetic field thatis used to sense a location of the miner relative to the machine 12. Theapparatus 10 comprises a wireless communication portion 22 disposed inthe explosion-proof housing 14 through which the magnetic field producedby the magnetic field source 20 is changed remotely and wirelessly fromoutside the explosion-proof housing 14. The wireless communicationportion 22 is in electrical communication with the proximity sensingportion 16. Bolts 19 maintain the housing 18 sealed and closed.

The proximity sensing portion 16 may include at least a firstmicroprocessor 24, and the first microprocessor 24 is reprogrammedremotely and wirelessly from outside the explosion-proof housing 14through the wireless communication portion 22. The wirelesscommunication portion 22 may include a receiver 26 through which signalsto change the magnetic field are received wirelessly. The wirelesscommunication portion 22 may include a transmitter 28 from whichtransmission signals are sent wirelessly from the explosion-proofhousing 14.

The wireless communication portion 22 may include a Wi-Fi module 30having the transmitter 28 and the receiver 26. The wirelesscommunication portion 22 may include a Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 inelectrical communication with the Wi-Fi module 30. The wirelesscommunication portion 22 may include a real-time clock 34 in electricalcommunication with the Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 which provides atimestamp for data received by the Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 and stored ina memory 36 of the Wi-Fi microprocessor 32. The wireless communicationportion 22 may include an antenna 38, and the explosion-proof housing 14includes a gland 40 through which the antenna 38 extends from theexplosion-proof housing 14. The wireless communication portion 22 mayinclude a cable port 42 through which the Wi-Fi module 30 isreprogrammed when the Wi-H module 30 is not working properly. An exampleof a mine Wi-Fi system is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/290,755, incorporated by reference herein. An example of a safetysystem for mining equipment that is based on a proximity sensing portion16 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,420,471, incorporated by referenceherein.

The present invention pertains to a method for protecting a miner frominjury by a machine 12. The method comprises the steps of placing aproximity sensing portion 16 with the machine 12. There is the step ofmoving the machine 12 in the mine. There is the step of changingremotely and wirelessly from outside an explosion-proof housing 14through a wireless communication portion 22 disposed in theexplosion-proof housing 14 a magnetic field produced by a magnetic fieldsource 20 of the proximity sensing portion 16 disposed in theexplosion-proof housing 14 of the proximity sensing portion 16. Themagnetic field is used to sense a location of the miner relative to themachine 12. The wireless communication portion 22 in electricalcommunication with the proximity sensing portion 16.

There may be the step of reprogramming a first microprocessor 24 of theproximity sensing portion 16 remotely and wirelessly from outside theexplosion-proof housing 14 through the wireless communication portion22. There may be the step of receiving wirelessly through a receiver 26of the wireless communication portion 22 signals to change the magneticfield. There may be the step of transmitting wirelessly from theexplosion-proof housing 14 with a transmitter 28 of the wirelesscommunication portion 22 housing 14 transmission signals. The wirelesscommunication portion 22 may include a Wi-Fi module 30 having thetransmitter 28 and the receiver 26.

The wireless communication portion 22 may include a Wi-Fi microprocessor32 in electrical communication with the Wi-Fi module 30. The wirelesscommunication portion 22 may include a real-time clock 34 in electricalcommunication with the Wi-Fi microprocessor 32, and there may be thestep of providing a timestamp for data received by the Wi-Fimicroprocessor 32 and stored in a memory 36 of the Wi-Fi microprocessor32. The wireless communication portion 22 may include an antenna 38, andthe explosion-proof housing 14 may include a gland 40 through which theantenna 38 extends from the explosion-proof housing 14. The wirelesscommunication portion 22 may include a cable port 42, and there may bethe step of reprogramming the Wi-Fi module 30 through the cable port 42when the Wi-Fi module 30 is not working properly.

In the operation of the invention, an apparatus 10 having a proximitysensing portion 16 with Wi-Fi capability is able to transmit data aswell as receive signals to reprogram and change the field sizes of theproximity sensing portion 16. With reference to FIG. 1 , an antenna 38extends from the explosion-proof housing 14 of the proximity sensingportion 16 through an MSHA approved gland 40 that protects thecomponents inside the explosion-proof housing 14 from the mineenvironment. The antenna 38 extends from the explosion-proof housing 14and is electrically connected with a Wi-Fi module 30 disposed inside theexplosion-proof housing 14. The Wi-Fi module 30 is, for instance,miniWi-Fi01 or part number 1W-SM2128M1-C available for purchase fromConnectionOne in San Jose, Calif. This Wi-Fi module 30 has the necessarytransmitter and receiver functionality required to support the operationdescribed herein.

Data from the data microprocessor 48 in the explosion-proof housing 14is sent to an interface, a J7 header of the proximity sensing portion16. From the J7 header, the data is sent to a location where voltagesignals are converted, an RS485/TTL which is connected to the J7 headerthrough a serial connection, an RS485 connection. The data is then sentfrom the RS485/TTL over a serial connection, a universally asynchronousreceiver/transmitter (UART) connection to a Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 thatreceives the data and stores the data in a memory 36. The memory 36 inthe Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 could store the data for a month if desired.The data which is stored in the memory 36 of the Wi-Fi microprocessor isalso given a timestamp. The timestamp is attained by the Wi-Fimicroprocessor 32 requesting a timestamp from a real-time clock 34 overan SPI connection through which the Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 is connectedto the real-time clock 34. A battery 46 dedicated to the real-time clock34 is connected to the real-time clock 34 to support the real-time clock34 as needed. This battery 46 could last for many years. The timestamped data is provided from the Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 to the Wi-Fimodule 30 through a UART connection. The time stamped data is thentransmitted from the Wi-Fi module 30 and out the explosion-proof housing14 through the antenna 38.

To reprogram the field sizes of the proximity sensing portion 16, thereprogramming signals are received by the antenna 38 and provided to theWi-Fi module 30. From the Wi-Fi module 30 through the UART connection,the signals are provided to the Wi-Fi microprocessor 32. From the Wi-Fimicroprocessor 32, the reprogramming signals are provided to aninterface, a J5 header through a programming line, an ICSP connection.From the J5 header, the reprogramming signals are provided to the datamicroprocessor 48. The data microprocessor 48 recognizes thereprogramming signals and provides those reprogramming signals throughan SPI connection to a master microprocessor 50 of the proximity sensingportion 16. The reprogramming signals provided to the mastermicroprocessor 50 from the data microprocessor 48 are the same as whatexisted in standard proximity sensing portions. The reprogrammingsignals from the data microprocessor 48 basically are the same signalsas would be provided to the master microprocessor 50 if a potentiometerwas used, as was common in the past, to change the field sizes. In apreferred embodiment, the controller Wi-Fi board 72 described herein isdisposed in and connected with the proximity controller board 66 of theHazardAvert proximity module, incorporated by reference herein, sold byStrata Safety Products, Sandy Springs, Ga. This module is waterproof,armored and explosion-proof.

The ping/echo microprocessor 52, master microprocessor 50, datamicroprocessor 48 and J8, J5 and J7 headers (interfaces) are part of anexisting proximity sensing portion 16 controller board 66 that alreadyexists in proximity sensing portions 16. The Wi-Fi capability isessentially matched to communicate with the existing proximitycontroller board 66 so minimal changes are made to the proximitycontroller board 66 and the components thereon. The changes are softwareor functional in nature to the proximity controller board 66 to allowthe data microprocessor 48 to recognize the signals that are receivedfrom the Wi-Fi module 30, or which are sent to the Wi-Fi module 30. TheWi-Fi capability provided by the components of the controller Wi-Fiboard 72 essentially mimic the signals that existed in prior artproximity sensing portions 16 that used manual connectivity to receivesignals from or provide signals to the proximity controller board 66after the explosion-proof housing 14 was opened.

If there is a problem with the Wi-Fi module 30, access to the Wi-Fimodule 30 for reprogramming or diagnostic purposes is attained through alocation where voltage signals are converted, an RS232/TTL from a serialconnection, an RS232 line. The RS232/TTL is accessed by opening theexplosion-proof housing 14, as had been done in the past to change thefield sizes. The Wi-Fi module 30, real-time clock 34, battery 46,RS485/TTL and RS232/TTL are all part of the controller Wi-Fi board 72that is inserted into the explosion-proof housing 14 and connected withthe proximity controller board 66.

Each of the microprocessors of the proximity controller board 66 is ableto be reprogrammed through Wi-Fi. The ping/echo microprocessor 52 has abidirectional ICSP connection with the J8 header and the J8 header has abidirectional ICSP connection with the Wi-Fi microprocessor 32. Themaster and the data microprocessors of the proximity controller board 66each have a ICSP bidirectional connection with the J5 header, and the J5header has a bidirectional ICSP connection with the Wi-Fi microprocessor32. As mentioned above, the Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 has a bidirectionalUART connection with the Wi-Fi module that is in communication throughthe antenna 38 with the external world to receive and send wirelesssignals.

Whenever any or each of the microprocessors on the proximity controllerhoard 66 are desired to be reprogrammed, code is received by the antenna38 and provided to the Wi-Fi module 30 and then to the Wi-Fimicroprocessor 32. If the code is to reprogram the ping/echomicroprocessor 52, the code is provided through the J8 header to theping/echo microprocessor 52. If the code is to reprogram the mastermicroprocessor 50 or the data microprocessor 48, the code is providedfrom the Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 to the J5 header and then to either themaster or the data microprocessor. The connections are bidirectional sothat the entire code in each of the microprocessors on the proximitycontroller board 66 are able to be reviewed and read, as desired, and asneeded, wirelessly from a remote location through the Wi-Fi module.

1. How the magnetic fields are changed:

There are 2 methods:

A. Magnetic fields changed via socket connection.

Using software written for this purpose, the user connects to theproximity Wi-Fi module 30 using either an adhoc or infrastructure Wi-Finetwork connection. Adhoc mode is used when the connection is point topoint between the PC running the software and the apparatus 10 itself.Infrastructure mode is used when the Wi-Fi board 72 has been establishedon an existing Wi-Fi network. Once the connection is made, the programestablishes a socket connection with the proximity Wi-Fi module 30. Theuser of the software can then query or set the magnetic field values asa percentage. To set a field, the software sends a special command overthis socket connection to the Wi-Fi module 30. The Wi-Fi microprocessor32 on the Wi-Fi board 72 periodically queries a parameter change flag onthe Wi-Fi module 30. When it sees that this value has changed, it thenqueries the Wi-Fi module 30 for all possible parameter changes. (Allfield settings, Code load, etc.). The Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 takes thenew field value and then converts it from a percentage to the actualvalue used by the data microprocessor 48. The Wi-Fi microprocessor 32then puts the data microprocessor 48 into programming mode, reads thefield values already stored in the data microprocessor's EEPROM andupdates those values with the new setting. The Wi-Fi microprocessor 32also sets a new field values' flag in the Data microprocessor's EEPROMthat the data microprocessor 48 checks when it starts up. The Wi-Fimicroprocessor 32 releases the data microprocessor 48 from programmingmode. Once the data microprocessor 48 has been released from programmingmode, it restarts. At start up, it checks its eeprom for the ‘new fieldvalues’ flag. Seeing that the flag is set, it sends over the new fieldvalue indicated by the flag to the master microprocessor 50 to let themaster microprocessor 50 know that there is a new field generator valuefor a particular generator of the source 20. The master microprocessor50 then performs a voltage calibration for that generator. At this pointthe generator field value has been changed.

B. Magnetic fields changed via web page parameters

This works the same as above except that the field value is changed froma web page that can be accessed from any web enabled device (iPhone, PC,etc.). The value is changed by accessing a web page hosted by the Wi-Fiboard's web server of the Wi-Fi module 30.

2. How new firmware is uploaded.

Code load is initiated by special PC code upload software. Usingsoftware written for this purpose, the user connects to the proximityWi-Fi module 30 using either an adhoc or infrastructure Wi-Fi networkconnection. Adhoc mode is used when the connection is point to pointbetween the PC running the software and the apparatus 10 itself.Infrastructure mode is used when the Wi-Fi board 72 has been establishedon an existing Wi-Fi network. Once the connection is made, the programestablishes a socket connection with the proximity Wi-Fi module 30. ThePC program sends a command to the Wi-Fi module 30 to let the Wi-Fimicroprocessor 32 know that a programming session is requested. Thiscommand contains information telling which microprocessor to program(data, master or PIE) and the size of the new image. If the size iswithin appropriate boundaries, the Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 acknowledgesthe request. The PC program then sends over the image to be programmedin a standard Intel hex file format. The Wi-Fi microprocessor 32receives this new image and saves it to internal flash memory 36. (Thismeans that the Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 will have a copy of image in itsmemory 36 even through power cycles; the Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 couldre-programmed at a future point without having a new image sent viaWi-Fi). The Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 converts this hex file stored inflash memory 36 into three binary images in RAM that matches the Wi-Fimicroprocessor's three memory spaces (flash, EEPROM and config bytes).The Wi-Fi microprocessor 32 puts the proximity sensing portion 16microprocessor to be programmed into program mode by setting the MCLRline high (12 v). Each memory 36 area is program via TCSP (In CircuitSerial Programming). Once a memory 36 area has been programmed, it isread back and compared to the image in RAM to verify that theprogramming is successful. While this is going on the Wi-Fimicroprocessor 32 is sending messages back to the PC indicated thecurrent state and status of the programming session. Once theprogramming has completed, the Wi-Fi module 30 will send a message backto the PC indicating success and will then close the socket connection.

Strata Proximity Wi-Fi PCB Item Qty Reference Part Description VendorDigikey Footprint 1 1 J5 43650-0301 CONN 3 POS MOLEX WM1866-NDRECEPTACLE 2 1 J7 534998-6 6 × 2 FEMALE TE A26487-ND HEADER CONNECTIVITY3 1 J8 43650-0201 CONN 2 MOLEX WM1865-ND RECEPTACLE 4 1 U1 PIC24EP512GPMICROPROCE MICROCHIP PIC24EP512GP80 64-TQFP 806-E/PT SSOR 16-BIT 6-I/PT512 KB FLASH

Examples of mine equipment on which the proximity sensing portion 16 isused is the following:

  Continuous miner Shuttle car Haulage system Highwall minerLoad-haul-dump Conveyor belt Forklift Front-end loader Haul truck

The proximity detection system for the mining industry works byestablishing a magnetic marker field—or zone—around machinery using theproximity sensing portion 16, also known as the generator (or proximitymodule depending on the mining type). One or more of the apparatus 10may be fitted onto machinery to create fields designated as the ‘WARNINGZONE’ and ‘DANGER ZONE.’ This marker field can encompass the entiremachine 12 and its turning radius, or be specific to certain areas.

Miners wear a Personal-Alarm Device (PAD) 44, as shown in FIG. 4 , whichdetects and measures the magnetic marker field to determine theirproximity to the machine 12, and alert them of possible danger to theirsafety. The PAD 44 attaches to the miners belt and has an optionalclip-on ‘warning module’ that attaches to the hardhat.

Visible and audible alarms for miner and machine 12 operator

As the miner enters the warning zone around the machinery, visual andaudible alarms alert both the miner and the machine 12 operator. If theminer enters the danger-zone, a product, such as HazardAvert sold byStrata Worldwide LLC of Georgia, can be programed to shut the machine 12off completely.

The present invention pertains to a system 60 for protecting a minerfrom injury, as shown in FIG. 6 . The system 60 comprises an apparatus10 having a proximity sensing portion 16 that can have its magneticfield changed remotely through a telecommunications network 74. Theapparatus 10 is described above. The system comprises a machine 12 withthe apparatus 10. The system comprises a personal alarm device 44 wornby the miner for alerting the miner when the miner is within apredetermined distance, i.e. 2-10 feet of the machine 12. The system 60comprises a wireless communication network 74 in communication with thewireless communication portion 16. The system 60 comprises a controller80 remote from the apparatus 10 in communication with the network 74through which the controller 80 remotely and wirelessly communicateswith the apparatus 10 to change the magnetic field produced by themagnetic field source 20. The controller has a wireless communicationportion, such as a wire module.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the apparatus 10 with a proximity sensing portion 16,otherwise known as a field generator, for hard-rock and surface mining.FIG. 5 shows a field generator for coal mining on a machine 12. FIG. 4shows an MSHA approved PAD 44 for coal mining.

Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoingembodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood thatsuch detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be madetherein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention except as it may be described by thefollowing claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for protecting a miner from injury by a machine in a mine comprising: explosion-proof housing; a proximity sensing portion disposed in the housing having a field source which produces a magnetic field that is used to sense a location of the miner relative to the machine; and a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing through which the field produced by the field source is changed remotely and wirelessly from outside the housing, the wireless communication portion in electrical communication with the proximity sensing portion.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the proximity sensing portion includes at least a first microprocessor, and the first microprocessor is reprogrammed remotely and wirelessly from outside the housing through the wireless communication portion.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the wireless communication portion includes a receiver through which signals to change the field are received wirelessly.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the wireless communication portion includes a transmitter from which transmission signals are sent wirelessly from the housing.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the wireless communication portion includes a Wi-Fi module having the transmitter and the receiver.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the wireless communication portion includes a Wi-Fi microprocessor in electrical communication with the Wi-Fi module.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the wireless communication portion includes a real-time clock in electrical communication with the Wi-Fi microprocessor which provides a timestamp for data received by the Wi-Fi microprocessor and stored in a memory of the Wi-Fi microprocessor.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the wireless communication portion includes an antenna and the housing includes a gland through which the antenna extends from the housing.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the wireless communication portion includes a cable port through which the Wi-Fi module is reprogrammed when the Wi-Fi module is not working properly.
 10. A method for protecting a miner from injury by a machine in a mine comprising the steps of: placing a proximity sensing portion disposed in Italian explosion-proof housing with the machine; moving the machine in the mine; and changing remotely and wirelessly from outside the housing through a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing a magnetic field produced by a field source of the proximity sensing portion disposed in the housing, the field is used to sense a location of the miner relative to the machine, the wireless communication portion in electrical communication with the proximity sensing portion.
 11. The method of claim 10 including the step of reprogramming a first microprocessor of the proximity sensing portion remotely and wirelessly from outside the housing through the wireless communication portion.
 12. The method of claim 11 including the step of receiving wirelessly through a receiver of the wireless communication portion signals to change the field.
 13. The method of claim 12 including the step of transmitting wirelessly from the housing with a transmitter of the wireless communication portion housing transmission signals.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the wireless communication portion includes a Wi-Fi module having the transmitter and the receiver.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the wireless communication portion includes a Wi-Fi microprocessor in electrical communication with the Wi-Fi module.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the wireless communication portion includes a real-time clock in electrical communication with the Wi-Fi microprocessor, and including the step of providing a timestamp for data received by the Wi-Fi microprocessor and stored in a memory of the Wi-Fi microprocessor.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the wireless communication portion includes an antenna and the housing includes a gland through which the antenna extends from the housing.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the wireless communication portion includes a cable port, and including the step of reprogramming the Wi-Fi module through the cable port when the Wi-Fi module is not working properly.
 19. A system for protecting a miner from injury by a machine in a mine comprising: an apparatus having an explosion-proof housing; a proximity sensing portion disposed in the housing having a magnetic field source which produces a field that is used to sense a location of the miner relative to the machine; a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing through which the field produced by the field source is changed remotely and wirelessly from outside the housing, the wireless communication portion in electrical communication with the proximity sensing portion disposed on the machine and with a personal-alarm device disposed on the miner; a wireless communication network in communication with the wireless communication portion; and a controller remote from the apparatus in communication with the network through which the controller remotely and wirelessly communicates with the apparatus to change the field produced by the field source.
 20. An apparatus for protecting a miner from injury by a machine in a mine comprising: a housing; a proximity sensing portion disposed in the housing having a field source which produces a field that is used to sense a location of the miner relative to the machine; and a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing through which the field produced by the field source is changed remotely and wirelessly from outside the housing, the wireless communication portion in electrical communication with the proximity sensing portion, the proximity sensing portion includes at least a first microprocessor, and the first microprocessor is reprogrammed remotely and wirelessly from outside the housing through the wireless communication portion, the wireless communication portion includes a receiver through which signals to change the field are received wirelessly, the wireless communication portion includes a transmitter from which transmission signals are sent wirelessly from the housing, the wireless communication portion includes a Wi-Fi module having the transmitter and the receiver, the wireless communication portion includes a Wi-Fi microprocessor in electrical communication with the Wi-Fi module, the wireless communication portion includes a real-time clock in electrical communication with the Wi-Fi microprocessor which provides a timestamp for data received by the Wi-Fi microprocessor and stored in a memory of the Wi-Fi microprocessor, the wireless communication portion includes an antenna and the housing includes a gland through which the antenna extends from the housing, the wireless communication portion includes a cable port through which the Wi-Fi module is reprogrammed when the Wi-Fi module is not working properly.
 21. A method for protecting a miner from injury by a machine in a mine comprising the steps of: placing a proximity sensing portion disposed in a housing with the machine; moving the machine in the mine; and changing remotely and wirelessly from outside the housing through a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing a field produced by a field source of the proximity sensing portion disposed in the housing, the field is used to sense a location of the miner relative to the machine, the wireless communication portion in electrical communication with the proximity sensing portion, including the step of reprogramming a first microprocessor of the proximity sensing portion remotely and wirelessly from outside the housing through the wireless communication portion, including the step of receiving wirelessly through a receiver of the wireless communication portion signals to change the field, including the step of transmitting wirelessly from the housing with a transmitter of the wireless communication portion housing transmission signals, wherein the wireless communication portion includes a Wi-Fi module having the transmitter and the receiver, the wireless communication portion includes a Wi-Fi microprocessor in electrical communication with the Wi-Fi module, wherein the wireless communication portion includes a real-time clock in electrical communication with the Wi-Fi microprocessor, and including the step of providing a timestamp for data received by the Wi-Fi microprocessor and stored in a memory of the Wi-Fi microprocessor, wherein the wireless communication portion includes an antenna and the housing includes a gland through which the antenna extends from the housing, and wherein the wireless communication portion includes a cable port, and including the step of reprogramming the Wi-Fi module through the cable port when the Wi-Fi module is not working properly. 